Absorbent device for cleaning pens



(Model.)

H. B. HELFERIGH. ABSOEBENT DEVICE FOR CLEANING PENS, BRUSHES, 688.

No. 442,888. Patented Dec. 16,1880.

Waimes@ e6 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY B. HELFFRICl-I, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

ABSORBENT DEVICE FOR CLEANING PENS, BRUSHES, 84C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 442,888, dated December 16, 1890.

Application filed fune 9, 1890.

To all wiz/0m it may concern.'

Be it known that I, HENRY B. HELFFRICH, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have invent-ed an Improved Absorbent Device for Cleaning Pens, Brushes, &c., of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a suitable device for absorbing the ink from a pen or a brush. This object I attain in the following manner, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 isaperspectiveview of myimproved absorber for pens or brushes. Fig. 2 is a plan view. F ig. 3 is a transverse sectional view. Fig. 4 is a view showing a different form of absorber.V Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of still another form. Fig. 6 is a view showing the corrugations for the pens or brushes on the lower surface, as well as on the upper surface of the absorber'. Fig. '7 is a view showing the absorber mounted or cast upon a metallic or glass base, and Fig. 8 is a View showing different forms of corrugations.

The devices now in common use for cleaning pens are the moist sponge, damp rag, or a pad mounted in a glass or other receptacle containing water. In each of these cases water or its equivalent must be used, and consequently attention must be given to keep the pen wiper or cleaner in proper condition by recharging the sponge or refilling the receptacle, and the surface of the cleaner must be constantly cleaned in order to remove the ink that accumulates thereon after it is once used, and these devices are also objectionable, as they have to be kept in a place on the desk withineasy reach ofthe writer, and it often happens that the receptacles are overturned and the contents spilled upon some valuable papers, and consequently the spongecup or other liquid-cleanin g pad has been discarded to a great ext-ent.

I overcome the objections above noted in the following manner, reference. being had to Figs. l, 2, and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows my improved absorber mounted in a suitable stand, either of glass or iron, which may also be used as a papenweight. A is a quadrangular block of absorbent mineral material-for inst-ance, such as chalk-that will take up and retain the ink immediately Serial No. 354,712. (Model.)

when the pen comes in contact with it. The nineral is iirst preferably reduced to a plastic condition and then molded to the form required, as described hereinafter. Thisblock of mineral absorbent material has a central groove c, in the present instance, on each side of which is a series of corrugations b b, graduated to accommodate different sizes of pens. The space between the ribs can beused when it is wished to absorb color or ink from a marking or water-color-painting brush. Beyond the corrugations b b is a series of corrugations d CZ, and secured to the corrugated portions d d is buckskin or other suitable material e, on which the pen can be polished atter the ink has been removed by the pen coming in contact with the absorbent material. The body of the blockA is tapered in form to fit into the stand B, which can be made of glass or metal, as above described.

In Fig. 4 I have shown the block cylindrical in form, the upper surface having the corrugations to receive the pen or brush.

` In Fig. 5 I have shown the block having a central orifice f, the block being mounted on a stand B', having a 4flange g and a central spindle h, which is adapted to the opening f in the block.

lIn Fig. 6 I have shown the block with the corrugations on the upper and lower surface, the central spindle h of the stand B2 passing through the orifice fthe same as in Fig. 5. The corrugated surfaces may be plain, as shown, or one of the surfaces may have the buckskin or chamois covering.

In Fig. 7 I have shown the block A, cast upon a base B3, which is suitably undercut to hold the block in place. This block is also grooved at the sides h as well as at the top b b.

In Fig. 8 I have shown tapered ribs on the upper surface ot' the block, so that a single rib will accommodate pens differing` in size. Other forms of corrugations will readily suggest themselves.

It will thus be seen that I entirely obviate the objection to the ordinary moist pen wiper or cleaner, and there is in the first place no moisture required and attention as to cleaning the surface and renewing the liquid, the mineral entirely absorbing the ink, so that a paper placed upon it immediately after by accident will not be blurred or smeared with IOC ink, as is the case in'using the ordinary spongecup and sponge, and furthermore the use of a liquid cleaner is objectionable, as more orlcss moisture is left ou the pen, which will rust the pen in a short time; but by absorbing all the moisture on the pen this objection is entirely avoided.

I claim as my iuventionwA l. As a new article of manufacture, the within-described pen or brush cleaner, the same consisting of a molded block of absorbent mineral substance7 substantially as described.

2. As a new article ol' manufacture, the within-described pen or brush cleaner, the same consisting of a molded block of absorbent mineral substance having a series of molded corrugations on its upper surface, substantially as described.

3. The combination of the bloc-kot' absorbent mineral substance with a strip of polishing material secured to a portion of its surface,substantially as aud for the purpose set fort h.

Ll. Asa newartielo of manufacture, apen or brush cleaner consistingoi' ablock of absorbent minerai substance havingtwo sets of corrugations I) l), separated by a space a, sub` stantially as described.

5. The combination of ablocli of absorbent mineral substance having the corrugations Z/ Z), separated by a space (t, and the corrugations d d, with polishing material secured to said corrugations (Z d, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof l have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY l. HEL'FFRICH.

HENRY IIoLsoN, HARRY SMITH. 

